Membership benefits

The Probation Institute offers a range of services and activities that give recognition and support to the professional development of individual probation practitioners and of others working in the sector. Joining the Institute means that:

your training and learning will be supported by a framework of training qualifications and CPD endorsed by the Institute and participating employers, as relevant and appropriate for various levels of work in the sector.

you can be a registered practitioner, managing your own portfolio of professional practice, including qualifications, continuing professional development (CPD) and other activities that demonstrate a professional approach to your work

you will have opportunities to be involved in work or activities that enhance your professional competence, knowledge and understanding of probation work, and contribute to the evidence based development of practice. In particular:

>Joining professional networks where like minded colleagues in the sector can share experience and learn

> Professional events throughout the year focusing on specific issues of interest to probation or community justice and contributing to continuing professional development

> An annual practitioner conference bringing together probation workers from all sectors and providing opportunities to showcase innovative practice and its outcomes

> Four editions a year of the Probation Quarterly, keeping members in touch with key developments and sharing of good practice.

> Up to four Sir Graham Smith annual awards for probation or community justice projects, offering an opportunity for practice based research or evaluation with academic supervision.

> Contribute to the development and dissemination of practice guidelines, enabling practitioners to access up to date and relevant information.

> An online Knowledge Ventre to disseminate and share reports or other documents of interest to practitioners, and (subject to agreement with academic or other library services), wider portal access to other sources.

you can rely on evidence-based independent information and guidance. As a Centre of Excellence the Institute is promoting the use of evidence, bringing together and facilitating strong and effective relationships among partners in the CJS, health and social care agencies, providers of probation services and academic organisations. The Institute organises round-table discussions, seminars or other events to consider cross-cutting issues including the relationship between organisation of services, interventions and outcomes and to disseminate findings and conclusions

Your professional voice will have greater reach. The Institute is also taking a role in explaining the work of probation to the media, parliamentarians and the public, promoting a better understanding of the work in the sector, and, based on evidence, influencing the development of criminal justice, and relevant social, health, training and employment policies.